Chris Nashawaty's The Future Was Now brilliantly captures a pivotal moment in cinema history, chronicling the summer of 1982, when eight groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy films redefined the industry. From the success of E.T. to the initially underappreciated Blade Runner, Nashawaty weaves a compulsively readable narrative that delves into the creative journeys of the directors, writers, and actors behind these iconic films. Beyond recounting their releases, the book explores the artistic and cultural forces that shaped their production, making it a rich exploration of this transformative period.

This compelling volume highlights 1982 as a watershed year forever changing Hollywood’s approach to moviemaking, distribution, and audience targeting. By uniting scattered stories into a comprehensive account, Nashawaty offers an essential read for film enthusiasts, especially those who grew up with these influential movies. Drawing parallels to the golden cinematic year of 1939, the book illustrates how that summer shaped modern cinema. For anyone captivated by The Wrath of Khan, The Thing, or the cultural shifts they spurred, this retrospective feels like a heartfelt tribute to an era that redefined what movies could achieve.